Why Dante Fabbro Makes Sense for the Blues’ Second Pairing

[TBone]

Why Dante Fabbro Makes Sense for the Blues’ Second Pairing

By Mike Meyer
May 28, 2025

As the St. Louis Blues look to reshape their blue line ahead of the 2025–26 season, one area of need stands out: the right side of their second defensive pairing. With Torey Krug expected to be placed on LTIR and an eye toward maintaining stability behind Colton Parayko and (potentially replacing) Justin Faulk or Nick Leddy, the club would benefit from a cost-effective, dependable option. Pending free agent Dante Fabbro fits that profile well.

Fabbro, 26, is coming off a solid 2024–25 campaign split between the Nashville Predators and Columbus Blue Jackets. He appeared in 68 games, averaging a career-high 20:54 in ice time while contributing 26 points (2 goals, 24 assists), 143 blocked shots, and 66 hits. His usage and performance show that he’s capable of handling increased responsibilities in a structured role.

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In 2024–25, Fabbro posted a 50.2% Corsi For Percentage (CF%) at even strength—despite starting most of his shifts in the defensive zone. He had a 43.1% defensive zone start percentage (dZS%) with Nashville and 49.1% dZS% with Columbus, showing that coaches trusted him to start shifts in tough spots.

That kind of deployment, combined with break-even possession numbers, suggests he can break up plays and transition the puck effectively—even when facing middle-six competition.

https://www.sportshubstl.com/2025/05/27 ... nd-pairing

[stanw]

I'm in, get rid of Faulk and sign him for a reasonable contract. He should not break the bank.

[Pierre McGuire]

I'm in, get rid of Faulk and sign him for a reasonable contract. He should not break the bank.

You don't think he's going to have other offers? A lot of teams looking to add right shot dmen. Not sure if reasonable will get it done

[dhsux]

Wonder about his intentions to re-sign with Columbus?

They were in the hunt for a WC spot so I assume they did not move him at the TDL.

[TheJackBurton]

I'm in, get rid of Faulk and sign him for a reasonable contract. He should not break the bank.

You don't think he's going to have other offers? A lot of teams looking to add right shot dmen. Not sure if reasonable will get it done

Yeah, it's going to be a bit of a bidding war.

Right Shot Dmen are in high demand and there's a very short supply.